Thursday, 1 January 2009

Blashford Lakes

WHAT AN AFTERNOON!! After a late night at new years; a tad pissed leaving Emma slightly over the limit the next morning. We didn't leave till midday; probably shouldn't have gone out at all with all the alcohol consumed.

However it was well worth the effort, first port of call was the bewick's Swan. We connected with ease at Ibsley water meadows. 2 Adults and a single juvenile together. Further up the road, i had a tip off that there was a Caspian Gull on Mockbeggar North Lake. And infact the gen was correct with the adult still on there today.And a cracker it was too.

Trying all the lakes with access there was no sign of the Great-white Egret, but we were successful in picking up a few easier birds around the lakes including Green Sandpiper. Back on the actual reserve it took several minutes for the Bittern to show well enough for me to clap eyes on it, even Emmas beat me to it...

Leaving the hide, heading in the direction of the feeding stations there was a Firecrest showing well. From the feeding stations there was a mealy Redpoll with half a dozen or so Lesser Redpolls. Brambling, Siskin and Marsh Tit all visited the feeder in our presents.

Walking round to Ibsley Water the Great-white Egret happened to catch my eye on Rockford Lake on the near side, lucky to get this one out the way so early in the year!

On Ibsley Water, there was mostly the usual stuff with decent numbers of Goosander, especially as the afternoon progressed. Another Green Sandpiper flew past, which i got the Ingram crew on to with their new years day total - smashing the existing record further. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was also from the hide, the 2 Black-necked Grebes, although abit distant. A flock of Black-tailed Godwits flew in last thing, that was the last thing we got before heading back to the car and grabbing a fish 'n' chips on the way back.

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About Me

Welcome to my newly revamped blog - I am currently studying Wildlife & Media at the University of Cumbria where I currently spend a large proportion of the year. In between terms, however, I go back home and do as much birding in Hampshire as possible. It ain't no Norfolk but I love it just the same.
My interest for birds started in 2002, and continued to grow, thanks to the Fuller's, who took me under their wing(s). From 2005 I unfortunately got more involved in twitching. And so now find myself travelling vast distances, and spending money that I can't really afford to spend to feed my obsession - in seeing birds that I haven't already seen in Britain and Ireland. Surprisingly I don't keep a lifelist as my total doesn't really interest me.
Since springing onto the birding scene I have met many great people who have taught me an invaluable amount in this hobby, and to whom I am very grateful for!